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#6 Best Public Universities in Kentucky

WKU Admission Requirements

Bowling Green, Kentucky

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Your chances of getting into Western Kentucky University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

96.9%
Admission Difficulty for Western Kentucky University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Easy 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at WKU is 96.9%.  Its admission rate is the 27th lowest in Kentucky.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into WKU and can you get accepted?

Western Kentucky University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 7,276 out of the 7,505 who applied were admitted.

Western Kentucky University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.42. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 38% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into WKU?

97% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Western Kentucky University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.42 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1080 on the SAT
  • Score 21 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

WKU GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.42

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Western Kentucky University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into WKU are to have around a 3.42 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.42 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as WKU accepts 97% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at WKU is 3.42 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #16 in Kentucky for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since WKU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

WKU SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Western Kentucky University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 2% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

980-1170

Applicants Submitting SAT 

-
SAT Scores for Western Kentucky University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 500
Math 25th Percentile 480
Composite 25th Percentile 980
SAT Scores for Western Kentucky University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 590
Math 75th Percentile 580
Composite 75th Percentile 1170
Average SAT Score 1080

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Western Kentucky University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at WKU is 1080 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 980-1170. Students who get into Western Kentucky University score in the top 64 percent of all SAT test takers..  WKU ranks #15 in the state of Kentucky for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1080 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. WKU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 980 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 980, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 880, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Western Kentucky University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1080 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1075, you have around a 97% chance of being admitted. A 1170 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 98% chance of getting in.

Western Kentucky University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1170 and Above Good >98%
1075 to 1170 Avg + 97%-98%
980 to 1075 Avg - 94%-97%
885 to 980 Reach 90%-94%
Less than 885 Low <90%
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WKU ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

18-25 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

2%
ACT Scores for Western Kentucky University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 17
Math 25th Percentile 17
Composite 25th Percentile 18
ACT Scores for Western Kentucky University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 25
Math 75th Percentile 24
Composite 75th Percentile 25
Average ACT Score 21

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into WKU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to WKU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 25.  The school ranks #16 in Kentucky for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 14.

2 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Western Kentucky University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Western Kentucky University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into WKU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 97% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 99% with a 25 ACT score.

Western Kentucky University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
25 and Above Good >99%
21 to 25 Avg + 97%-99%
18 to 21 Avg - 95%-97%
15 to 18 Reach 91%-95%
Less than 15 Low <91%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

74% of Western Kentucky University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 45% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Western Kentucky University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 22%
Top 25% of class 45%
Top 50% of class 74%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Western Kentucky University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 4,779 2,726 7,505
Accepted 4,654 2,622 7,276
Acceptance Rate 97% 96% 97%
Enrolled 1,726 1,029 2,755
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 37% 39% 38%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 1, 2025

Days left to Apply

267

Applicants have 267 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2025.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Kentucky University is $50.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Western Kentucky University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Western Kentucky University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required to be considered for admission
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Western Kentucky University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Western Kentucky University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.42 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1080 and ACT of 21 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Western Kentucky University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157951 IPEDS survey data for Western Kentucky University.

Last updated February 24, 2024